A TRIO of "fake trees" inspired by churches, synagogues and mosques could be built on derelict land in the city.
The 12-metre sculptures aim to represent Christianity, Judaism and Islam and are the brainchild of controversial Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping, who is holding his largest UK solo exhibition to date at Nottingham Contemporary next month.
Now the gallery has applied to Nottingham City Council for permission for the three sculptures to be exhibited on land opposite the Broadmarsh car park surrounded by tram lines, Cliff Road and Maltmill Lane.
The sculptures – called Hill of Faiths Or Fake Trees – will look like large trees, with minarets as trunks, made from steel and aluminium.
They were inspired by the work of Hungarian-born architect Yona Friedman.
Lynn Hanna, head of communications and development at Nottingham Contemporary, said: "We believe an international public art sculpture of this high calibre will enhance our city's national reputation, as well as being enjoyed by residents."
Other pieces inside the gallery will include a life-size elephant and Bat Project IV, a plane fuselage filled with stuffed bats, inspired by the diplomatic crisis after the collision of a US reconnaissance plane with a Chinese fighter jet in 2001. Visitors will also be able to walk inside the plane.
It was censored when first shown in China and this will be the first time it has been exhibited in Europe.
The artist will be at the exhibition launch on April 14.
Jennie Syson, of the magazine Nottingham Visual Arts, said she had worked with Huang before, adding: "I think the outdoor sculptures will have the support of the Nottingham art community and I'm really looking forward to seeing them."
If permission is granted, the sculptures they would be on site from August for a maximum of 12 months. Planning officers have recommended approval and a final decision will be made by councillors on Wednesday.
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